Production Manager – CNC Machining and Valve Manufacturing

The Production Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all aspects of CNC machining and valve manufacturing operations. This role ensures that production targets, quality standards, delivery schedules, and cost objectives are met through effective resource management, process optimization, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Production Planning & Scheduling

  • Develop and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production plans for CNC machining cells and valve assembly lines.

  • Balance machine capacity, tooling requirements, and workforce availability to meet customer orders and minimize lead times.

• Operations Management

  • Oversee CNC operations (lathes, mills, multi-axis machines) and valve manufacturing processes (machining, assembly, testing).

  • Monitor machine utilization, part throughput, scrap rates, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

• Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure all machined components and finished valves conform to engineering drawings, material specifications, and industry standards (API, ASME, ISO).

  • Collaborate with QA/QC to implement in-process inspections, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Process Improvement & Cost Control

  • Lead Lean and Six Sigma projects to reduce cycle time, optimize tooling life, and lower scrap/waste.

  • Analyze production costs and identify opportunities for efficiency gains and cost reductions.

• Team Leadership & Development

  • Manage supervisors, CNC programmers, machinists, assemblers, and support staff.

  • Train, mentor, and conduct performance reviews; foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.

• Maintenance & Equipment Management

  • Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule preventive maintenance and minimize unplanned downtime.

  • Evaluate new machining technologies, tooling, and automation opportunities.

• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

  • Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols, PPE use, and housekeeping standards in machining and assembly areas.

  • Lead regular safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action plans.

Key Focus Areas:

• High‐precision CNC machining operations for valve components

• Valve assembly, testing (pressure/hydro), and packaging workflows

• Production scheduling, capacity planning, and bottleneck management

• Quality assurance per API/ASME standards and internal QMS

• Lean manufacturing, 5S, and process optimization initiatives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

• 7+ years of manufacturing experience, with 3+ years managing CNC machining and/or valve production operations

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of CNC machining (programming, tooling, fixturing) and valve manufacturing processes

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and production‐planning tools

• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies

• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‐solving skills

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T, and process flow diagrams

Preferred (Optional):

• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, PMP, or similar

• Hands‐on experience with CNC maintenance/repair or valve testing benches

• Familiarity with automation/robotics integration in machining environments

Working Conditions:

• Primarily shop‐floor based with frequent machine cell and assembly line interaction

• Exposure to machining noise, cutting fluids, hydraulic/pneumatic systems—PPE mandatory

• May require shift scheduling, weekend coverage, or extended hours during peak demand